Transcript Hofstede - California State University San Marcos

Hofstede
Five Dimensions to Understand
and Learn about Cultures
Five Dimensions
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Power Distance
Individualism and Collectivism
Uncertainty Avoidance
Career Success and Quality of life
(Masculinity and Femininity)
Confucian Dynamism
POWER DISTANCE
(The degree to which power differentials within society and
organizations are accepted.)
Large Power Distance societies are
characterized by:
•centralized authority
•autocratic leadership
•paternalistic management style
•many hierarchical levels
•acceptance that power has its privileges
•an expectation of inequality and power differences
Small Power Distance societies are
characterized by:
•decentralized authority and decision making
responsibility
•consultative or participative management
style
•flat organizational structures
•lack of acceptance and questioning of
authority
•rights consciousness
•tendency toward egalitarianism
INDIVIDUALISM - COLLECTIVISM
INDIVIDUALISTIC CULTURES
•foster contractual relationships that are based on the principles
of exchange. They calculate profit and loss before engaging in a behavior.
•focus on self or at most on close loved ones, are concerned with the
relationship between their behaviors and their own needs, interests & goals.
•value independence & self-sufficiency and place self interests above
collective interests; accept confrontation as an attribute
•emphasize pleasure, fun & personal enjoyment more than social norms
and duties; belong to many in-groups that exert little influence on their lives
•believe that their beliefs are unique
•give precedence to horizontal relationships (e.g. spouse-spouse) over
vertical relationships (e.g. parent-child)
COLLECTIVISTIC CULTURES
•behave according to social norms that are designed
to maintain social harmony and hierarchy among members of an
in-group
•consider implications of their actions for wider
collective
•share resources and are prepared to sacrifice
personal interest for collective interests
•favor certain in-groups (e.g. family, friends) and are indifferent or
hostile toward out-group members.
UNCERTAINTY AVOIDANCE
(The degree to which members of a society are able to cope with the
uncertainty of the future (and present) without experiencing undue
stress
Weak UA cultures are characterized by:
•risk taking
•tolerance of differing behaviors and opinions
•flexibility
•organizations with a relatively low degree of structure
and few rules, promotions based on merit
Strong UA cultures are characterized by:
•avoidance of risk
•organizations that have clearly delineated structures,
and many rules and standardized procedures;
promotions are based on primarily on seniority or age
•lack of tolerance for deviants
•strong need for consensus
•need for predictability; hence, planning is important
•respect for authority
CAREER SUCCESS AND QUALITY
OF LIFE OR Masculinity AND Femininity
CAREER SUCCESS (Masculine)
CULTURES
1. Gender roles are clearly distinct
2. Being assertive, tough and focused on material
success are what is valued
3. Benevolence is subordinated to competition and
survival of the fittest values.
4. Mastery of job and related elements is more
important than relationship development.
QUALITY OF LIFE (Feminine)
CULTURES
1. Social gender roles overlap
2. Both men and women are supposed to
be modest, tender and concerned with
the quality of life
3. Being kind, cooperative are more important
than winning.
4. Emphasis on nonmaterial aspects of success
Confucian Dynamism
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The stability of society is based on
unequal relationships between people.
The family is the prototype of all social
organizations.
The “golden rule” must prevail.
Virtuous behavior also includes
acquiring education, working hard,
being thrifty, patient and persevering.
High Confucianism:
Cultures that
are
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Dynamic, future-oriented
Persevering, persistent
Relationships are ordered based on status
Thrifty
Sense of shame
Interdependence, interrelatedness
Hard working
Low Confucianism:
Cultures that
are
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Oriented toward the past
Static, tradition-oriented
Reciprocation of greetings, favors, gifts
Nonprogressive economically
Personal steadiness